The Rural Pharmacy Student Placement Allowance (RPSPA) provides financial support to assist eligible pharmacy students undertaking placements in rural and remote communities.

The allowance may provide up to $3,000 (including GST) towards approved travel and accommodation expenses associated with eligible rural placements.

The program aims to support positive rural placement experiences and encourage future practice in rural and remote communities.

Further information and the RPSPA Program Rules are available on the program website.

Important: Funding is limited and approval is not guaranteed. Do not book or pay for travel or accommodation until you have received written funding approval from the School.

Eligibility Checklist

Before submitting a funding application, ensure that:

• • You are an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Your placement has been approved and is visible in InPlace.
  • Your placement location is classified as MMM 3-7 under the Modified Monash Model.
  • If applying for airfare funding, your placement is longer than five days.

The RPSPA Process

Step 1: Review the Requirements and Obtain Quotes

Before applying:

• • Read the RPSPA Program Rules.
  • Research your transport and accommodation options.
  • Obtain quotes for your proposed travel and accommodation.
  • Select the most economical option that meets your needs.
  • Prioritise safe and appropriate accommodation.

Accommodation guidance

• • A budget of approximately $100-$250 per night is generally considered reasonable.
  • Avoid accommodation options that may present safety concerns.
  • Consider proximity to your placement site, particularly if you will not have access to a vehicle.

Step 2: Apply for Funding Approval

• • Complete the Pre-Placement Funding Application via StudentHub.
  • Upload all required supporting documentation and quotes.
  • Await assessment by the Placements Team.
  • Do not make non-refundable bookings until you receive your approval email.

Step 3: Book, Travel and Keep Your Records

Once your funding has been approved:

• • Book and pay for your approved travel and accommodation.
  • Retain all Tax Invoices and proof of payment.
  • Ensure accommodation invoices are issued in your name.
  • Keep a copy of all receipts relating to approved expenses.

Travel Diary Requirement

If your placement travel involves six or more consecutive nights away from home, you must maintain a Travel Diary throughout your placement.

Your Travel Diary should record:

• • Travel dates and times.
  • Departure and return details.
  • Accommodation details.
  • Placement days and non-placement days.
  • Any travel expenses associated with your placement.

Do not wait until after placement to recreate your Travel Diary. Record information as your placement progresses.

Step 4: Submit Your Reimbursement Claim

After your placement:

• • Complete the reimbursement form provided in your funding approval email.
  • Ensure all Tax Invoices and proof of payment are included.
  • Confirm your name appears on accommodation documentation.
  • Submit all claim documentation to placements@pharmacy.uq.edu.au.

Important: Booking confirmations are not accepted as evidence of expenditure. Valid Tax Invoices and proof of payment are required.

Step 5: Complete Your Mandatory Post-Placement Requirements

All students who receive RPSPA funding must complete the Post-Placement Mandatory Reports within two weeks of completing their placement.

This includes:

• • Your Placement Activity Report.
  • Your Travel Diary (where required).
  • Any additional documentation requested as part of the RPSPA program.

Important

Submission of post-placement reporting requirements is a condition of receiving funding.

Failure to submit the required documentation within two weeks of completing your placement may result in funding being revoked and/or reimbursements being required to be repaid to The University of Queensland.

Access the Post-Placement Mandatory Reports form via StudentHub.

Eligible Expenses

The following expenses may be eligible for funding, subject to approval and available funding.

Accommodation

• • Hotels, motels and serviced apartments.
  • Airbnb accommodation.
  • Accommodation required for approved placement dates.
  • Where travel exceeds approximately three hours, accommodation from the night before placement commences may be considered.

Travel

• • Flights (excluding eligible five-day placement restrictions).
  • Train travel.
  • Bus travel.
  • Ferry travel.
  • Taxi or rideshare transfers associated with placement travel.

Private Vehicle Travel

Private vehicle funding is generally calculated for travel between:

• • Your home location and placement accommodation; and
  • Your return journey home.

The following costs are not eligible:

• • Vehicle hire.
  • Parking fees.
  • Road tolls.
  • Fuel used during placement activities.
  • Daily travel between accommodation and placement sites.

Group Travel and Carpooling

Students travelling together are encouraged to share accommodation and transport where practical.

Accommodation

• • Select accommodation appropriate to the number of students travelling.
  • Each student may only claim their own portion of accommodation costs.
  • Accommodation documentation should clearly identify all occupants where possible.

Private Vehicle Travel

Only one student may receive private vehicle funding for a particular vehicle.

If travelling together:

• • The vehicle owner/driver may claim eligible fuel costs.
  • Passengers are not eligible to separately claim vehicle-related travel expenses.
  • Fuel costs must not be split across multiple student claims.

Transport and Safety

If you are not taking a vehicle

Before booking accommodation, consider:

• • Walking distance to the placement site.
  • Availability of public transport.
  • Access to essential services after hours.

Many rural communities have limited public transport options.

If you are driving

Review the Faculty’s placement safety information and travel guidance before departure.

Record Keeping and Audit Requirements

Students who receive RPSPA funding are required to maintain complete and accurate records relating to their claim.

Examples include:

• • Tax Invoices.
  • Receipts.
  • Reimbursement forms.
  • Travel Diaries.
  • Supporting claim documentation.

These records must be retained for at least seven years and may be requested as part of an audit or compliance review.

Maintaining accurate records throughout your placement will assist if additional information is requested by the University or the funding body.